Springtime in Amsterdam

The tress are lush with gold-green leaves. We still have winter-cold days that require coats and hats, and that happen within days of weather so warm, the kids run barefoot on the street.

School has just gone back for 2 days a week, leaving 3 days of homeschooling for Cal.

This year our street is abundant with finches. I see them darting into the air vents in the side of our building. Their nests must be minuscule.

Stella is such an easy child. She can happily play for half an hour on a single project of her own devising. Today at lunch she fitted the remainder of Cal's sandwich into her tippy cup. I read the news.

She often says, No! very firmly to us. Especially if a kiss and cuddle has gone on too long. She loves to climb up onto the nook and look down the street for di-dis (dogs). She can get down safely. She's never fallen. She's so careful.

David and I are starting to feel the anxiety of cancelled work. After so many weeks of full-time childcare our brains and bank account are hungry for full days of work, adult conversation, a location other than our street and the park.

I listen to a lot of world music, dreaming of places we can't go right now.

Summer creeps towards us. A summer of playgrounds, camping and countryside swims. No jet-setting for anyone this year.